Associate Development Program Manager

National Education Loan Network • Chicago, IL

290d • $90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities. The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work. Our Associate Development Program Manager plays a critical role in shaping the future of talent within the organization by designing, implementing, and scaling programs that drive associate growth, career progression, and leadership development. This position ensures associates have clear pathways for advancement, fosters internal mobility, and enhances skill development through strategic learning initiatives. Collaborating closely with business leaders, HR teams, and external partners, this role will integrate cutting-edge learning technologies, manage high-impact training programs, and align development efforts with company objectives. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a passion for leadership growth, continuous learning, and driving meaningful career opportunities at scale.

Requirements

• 5-7+ years of experience in leadership development, organizational development, talent development, or related fields.
• Proven experience designing and scaling leadership programs, career pathing initiatives, and enterprise learning strategies.
• Strong ability to influence senior leaders, drive change, and lead cross-functional projects.
• Expertise in training design, facilitation, and leveraging external learning partnerships.
• Experience with AI-driven career pathing tools, internal talent marketplaces, and modern learning technologies is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess talent gaps and program effectiveness.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship-building abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement leadership development programs for emerging leaders, new people leaders, high-potential associates, and upper management to strengthen leadership pipelines.
• Partner with business leaders, segment training teams, and HR teams to identify talent gaps and opportunities for growth.
• Build career pathways and internal mobility programs to help associates navigate professional development opportunities internally.
• Identify and implement cutting-edge learning technologies that support a blended learning approach (e.g., e-learning, coaching, experiential learning).
• Leverage AI-driven career tools and internal talent marketplaces to enhance career development opportunities at scale.
• Manage internal and external training partnerships to deliver high-impact learning experiences for associates and leaders.
• Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of enterprise-wide learning programs, leadership training, and continuous education opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve talent readiness and associate engagement.
• Serve as a strategic partner to PSCs, segment development teams, and business leaders, to align talent development strategies with business goals.
• Define OKRs to measure program effectiveness and impact.
• Analyze organizational needs using data-driven insights to inform and continuously improve development programs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA
• Generous earned time off
• 401K/student loan repayment
• Life insurance & AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee stock purchase program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based incentive pay
• Short- and long-term disability
• Robust wellness program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level